Unsuccessful House Candidate Already ‘In’ for 2016

by Nathan L. GonzalesNovember 17, 2014 · 10:09 AM EST

The ink is barely dry on the 2014 election results, but one unsuccessful candidate is making it clear that he is running again.

Republican Paul Chabot came up short in California’s 31st District but told the Rothenberg Political Report and Roll Call Thursday he wants a re-match.

“It’s now or never,” said Chabot, who conceded this year’s race little more than a week ago. The Republican lost the Southern California district by just 2 points, 51 percent to 49 percent, against Democrat Pete Aguilar. While the seat was left open by retiring GOP Rep. Gary G. Miller, Democrats were widely expected to win it after Aguilar finished in the top two in the primary (a feat that eluded Democrats in 2012). The narrow margin of victory was surprising.

That’s why Chabot is encouraged about 2016. His under-funded candidacy came close to victory without any significant outside help from the National Republican Congressional Committee or other GOP-friendly groups. He hopes that that the 2014 result will cause Republicans to take a fresh look at the race next cycle and, with some outside help, believes he can overcome presidential turnout. But Chabot will have to boost his own fundraising in order to get national attention and support.

There is obviously plenty of time for the race and the cycle to develop. But no one is going to accuse Chabot of waiting too long to get into the race. While some Democrats are being asked to consider rematches next cycle, Chabot is doing it.